The Digital Teen Brain

Today's show discussed the "blessings and curses" of digital media and the results of addictions to digital media, with today's guests on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, Clinton Dorny and Thomas Holmes from Discovery Ranch, a residential treatment center in Utah. "The kids coming to our program with digital addictions are often thin, pale and withdrawn socially. They struggle with interpersonal interactions and have a hard time with face to face communication. Kids with these addictions spend an average of 8 � hours daily on screen time�more if you include TV."

There can be physical and emotional side effects from detoxing from digital technology- kids will panic, get frustrated, upset, some get aggressive and some introvert, but there is always a reaction to these devices being taken away.

To detox these kids from the technology and screen time takes time, the kids feel lost and have a difficult time in settling in. They have feelings of depression, anxiety, helplessness and can even have periods of heart palpitations. "If you take away a 'tool' (the digital technology- cell phones, computers, etc.) you have to give them a new tool to replace it with. The key is to give them something to do. Here at the ranch we use: equine therapy, raising cows from birth, climbing, rappelling, fishing or canoeing." To put it into context� "Re-introducing them to the "real world", Lon put it.

There are red flags and warning signs for parents to watch for if they feel their child is growing too attached to their digital devices. These include: lack of outdoor recreation or activities, carpal tunnel syndrome and the inability to turn off the game/device, therefore missing meals or even using the bathroom. As a parent you have to intervene and help them disconnect from their screens.

Technology is here to stay�and there are blessings to responsible use. Family members that are spread across the country can connect through Skype; due to the speed of the Internet, the ability for businesses has grown tremendously and there is and will continue to have sources for employment, for those with the technology skill set. We teach the kids that there are great things about digital technology�but it is not a toy, it is a tool.

To listen to the full interview, go to The Digital Teen Brain on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Clinton Dorny is the Executive Director of Discovery Ranch, located in Utah. Clinton started out his career in the admissions field, falling into this industry because his brothers had worked in other residential treatment centers. Clinton is married and has four children.

Thomas Holmes is the Family Services Coordinator and media manager at Discovery Ranch.

We are excited to announce that we have several openings for on-air advertising spots during our show on LA TALK Radio: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

If you are interested in reserving some air time to promote your school, program or services, contact Kristie Campbell at kristie@woodbury.com or 208-267-5550

The Digital Teen Brain

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